The Jazz are giving former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin another opportunity.
Utah has agreed to sign the guard to a two-way contract, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report and The Stein Line. The Jazz will waive forward Blake Hinson to create the opening, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports.
Bufkin, 23, became available after the Pelicans waived him Saturday. He joined New Orleans on a training camp deal in July but didn’t make the regular-season roster.
The No. 15 pick in the 2023 draft, Bufkin has struggled to establish himself at the NBA level, with injuries interrupting his first two seasons with the Hawks. He spent part of last season with the Lakers before being waived in April.
In 43 career NBA games, the 6-foot-4 guard has averaged 4.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 10.2 minutes, shooting 35.4% from the field and 21.2% from three-point range.
His G League production offers Utah more reason for optimism. Bufkin averaged 24.8 points, 4.1 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 24 games for the South Bay Lakers last season, shooting 50.7% from the floor and 42.3% from beyond the arc. He earned All-G League second-team honors.
Hinson’s departure comes despite some productive NBA appearances last season. The 26-year-old averaged 11.9 points in 14 games for Utah, making 46.8% of his three-point attempts. He also averaged 23.5 points across 32 G League games with the Rip City Remix and Salt Lake City Stars.
Bufkin is entering his final season of two-way eligibility, so the agreement will cover one year. If finalized Wednesday, it would allow him to appear in up to 50 regular-season games for the Jazz.
Hinson would become an unrestricted free agent Friday if waived Wednesday and unclaimed.
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